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Saturday, December 1, 2012

2012 Atlantic Hurricane Season Review

November 30 marks the end of the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season, one
that produced 19 named storms, of which 10 became hurricanes and one
became a major hurricane. The number of named storms is well above the
average of 12. The number of hurricanes is also above the average of
six, but the number of major hurricanes is below the average of three.

Disrupted Cruises

Hurricane Isaac and Superstorm Sandy were the most disruptive to the travel industry causing flight cancellations and altering the courses and even cancelling cruises. Typically one expects itinerary changes during hurricane season, but usually the ships are able to sail to more peaceful waters away from the approaching storm.

In the case of Superstorm Sandy, which was a hurricane on steroids, ports were closed preventing people from getting to the pier and ships from getting back to the port, thus cancelling the cruise completly.

Cruise lines take the safety of passengers, crew, and ships very seriously, so decisions that were made, to alter courses or even cancel the cruises, were done in the interest of safety.

Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Hit Hard

According to a press release issued by NOAA, This season marks the second consecutive year that the mid-Atlantic
and Northeast suffered devastating impacts from a named storm. Sandy,
and Irene last year, caused fatalities, injuries, and tremendous
destruction from coastal storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding,
and wind. Storms struck many parts of the country this year, including
tropical storms Beryl and Debby in Florida, Hurricane Isaac in
Louisiana, and Post-tropical Cyclone Sandy in New Jersey.

“This year proved that it’s wrong to think that only major
hurricanes can ruin lives and impact local economies,” said Laura
Furgione, acting director of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “We are
hopeful that after the 2012 hurricane season, more families and
businesses all along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts become more “weather
ready” by understanding the risks associated with living near the
coastline. Each storm carries a unique set of threats that can be
deadly and destructive. Mother Nature reminded us again this year of
how important it is to be prepared and vigilant.”

Early Start but Ends on Time

The Atlantic Hurricane Season got off to an early start with two named storms, Alberto and Beryl, developing prior to the June 1st official start. The season ended prior to November 30th with Sandy impacting the East Coast of the United States.